Once the Calgary Stampede has left town, if you're still hankering for some semblance of the wild west in this oil and gas town, look no further than the Palomino Smokehouse in the heart of downtown, serving some of the city's most delicious slow-smoked beef brisket and pulled pork.

The Palomino's rustic interior of red brick walls, tin signs and a central wooden bar loaded with photos of cowboys and western nick-nacks, reflects the dinner menu, created and served from an open kitchen which boasts western Canada's largest smoker.

If the sound of New Orleans style Catfish Po'boy or BBQ classics such as Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork and Kansas City Pork Ribs doesn't whet your appetite, why not try the Fatass Platter for four people where you can try a little bit of everything. Mains cost between about CN$17 and CN$24. The Palomino makes all its own BBQ sauces, which come in three flavours – House, Chipotle and Carolina Mustard – and are gluten-free.

Other popular favourites include macaroni and cheese, shepherd's pie and chilli con carne. Sides include bacon-wrapped corn on the cob, baked black-eyed peas and beans, Palomino slaw and garlic fries.

At the weekend, the Palomino serves a mean brunch and its own western take on breakfast classics, such as Bourbon Apple Pulled Pork French Toast and Palomino Bennies, for between CN$10 and CN$14.

To wash down all that lovely food, you can choose from a wide range of draft, bottled and canned beers, a selection of red and white wines and spirits, including highballs and cocktails. If the weather's fine you can enjoy your food and drinks out back in the beer garden.

As well as serving food and drinks, the Palomino hosts live music bands throughout the week and has been named one of Calgary's top live music venues. Every genre of music is performed at the Palomino, from blues to metal and hip-hop. There is a CN$10 cover charge on the door from 9pm and the music usually starts at 10pm.